Treadmills just keep growing in popularity. The number of people exercising on them
has grown an amazing 772 percent in the past 10 years, according to the Sports
Goods Manufacturing Association (SGMA), these numbers put the treadmill near to
the top of the booming fitness-equipment industry.

For starters, they're simple to use. You don't have to learn any complex movements
to operate one; all you have to do is start the machine and begin walking or jogging.
A treadmill can also help improve your fitness level. Using one burns large amounts of
calories, firms leg muscles and strengthens your heart and lungs. Even better, you can

experience all these benefits without braving the elements. Remember the good old days
when you could use blizzards, heat waves and thunderstorms as an excuse not to go
running? Not any longer. A treadmill allows you to exercise in the comfort and privacy
of your home.

Unfortunately, quality treadmills are expensive. Why? For each mile we go on them,
our feet jar the deck between 1,000 to 2.000 times. Each of these impacts temporarily
stops the motor and strains other key parts of the machine. The less expensive models
just can't put up with this stress and are more likely to break.

MOTORISED VS MANUAL

Treadmills can be divided into motorised and human-powered varieties. Manual treadmills
are significantly less expensive than motorised ones, and for good reason. Companies do
not have to spend money on developing and manufacturing motors, drive belts and electronics,
and they pass their savings along to the consumer.

The benefits of manual treadmills are heavily outweighed by their disadvantages, however.
For starters, they generally have a much smaller belt than their motorised siblings, making
it virtually impossible for users to run, job or even break into a brisk walk. Because you have
to alter your stride to make the belt move, walking becomes awkward too. This, in turn,
increases your chances of straining a muscle and makes it extremely difficult to maintain
a consistent pace and keep your heart rate elevated. Many beginning exercisers also have
difficulty moving the manual belt and walking at the preset incline. For these reasons, we
recommend only motorised models, their higher price notwithstanding.

MOTORS

No matter which motorised treadmill you buy, the motor is likely to come from one of three
manufacturers: Beldor, Leeson Electric or Pacific Scientific. But just because most motors
come from the same companies does not automatically mean they are of equal quality. A
motor's horsepower rating is much more important than its motor manufacturer.

The problem is, manufacturers label horsepower in many different ways. Some companies
quote a motor's duty, peak-performance duty and the like. All of which are essentially
meaningless to the consumer. Ignore these terms and move on to the fluid treadmill. Instead,
look for machines that list the motor's continuous-duty horsepower. This rating measures the
motor's power under weight-bearing loads for long periods of time. A treadmill that has a
continuous-duty rating of at least 1.5hp should be sufficient for normal use.

Even if the motor has enough horsepower, it may not work well with the rest of the machine.
To make sure that a treadmill doesn't have this problem, simply (and carefully) plant your feet
firmly on the belt when the motor is running at its slowest speed. If there isn't any hesitation,
groaning or grinding, you'll know the treadmill can handle regular use.

One final consideration when looking at a treadmill's motor is whether it is AC or DC driven.
AC-driven motors constantly spin at high speeds, and a transmission controls the rate of the
treadmill's running belt. While this transmission helps insulate the motor from foot impact better
than with DC motors, it also tends to reduce a treadmill's range of speed. DC-driven treadmills
invert the AC current from the wall outlet. The amount of current the motor receives
determines its speed. Give the motor a lot of current, and it will move quickly; reduce its juice,
and it will move slowly. Because the motor does not have to rely on a transmission system to
turn the belt, you don't have to service or replace as many parts if a DC-driven treadmill
breaks down.

RUNNING BELTS & DECKS

Size does matter, at least when referring to treadmill running belts. In fact, belt size is one of
the most distinguishing features between cheaper treadmills and more expensive models.

Lower-end treadmills usually have running belts less than 16 inches wide by 48 inches long.
While this length is workable, it makes your workout much more difficult (and less fun)
because you must pay constant attention to where your feet land in order to avoid tripping.
Running belts need to be at least 18 inches wide by 49 inches long if you want to be able to
walk, jog and run with ease. Many top-of-the-line models have lengths of 55 inches or longer.

Usually made out of laminated wood around an inch thick, the deck lies underneath the running
belt and absorbs the hundreds of pounds of force that each step drives into it. Using lubricants
to reduce friction and heat, the deck is the main line of defence against mechanical wear and
"amp draw", a condition that slowly pulls power away from and eventually damages the
electronics of your machine.

The deck serves an important protective function, so it is vital that you take proper care of it.
Decks on inexpensive treadmills have been known to wear out in less than a year when their
users neglect them. Fortunately, the more expensive models don't usually need constant care
because their decks are protected by phenalic laminate, which can take years of abuse before
wearing out. Hot wax also provides effective protection.

Many machines feature reversible decks that can be turned over when these quality laminates
finally do wear through. Simply have a technician flip the deck over and it should provide many
more years of friction protection. As you might expect, quality-control problems begin creeping
in as the price goes down. Many lower-end models require you to frequently spray a
friction-reducer onto the deck; otherwise, it will quickly wear out.

"Softness" is another important feature to consider when looking at treadmill decks. Many of
us have experienced shinsplints and other injuries from running on ashphalt and other hard
surfaces. Treadmill manufacturers try to reduce this jarring and its negative effects by
providing a softer running surface. While almost all modern treadmills provide some cushioning
effect, the amount of shock-absorption varies widely. High-end treadmills use shock absorbers
such as springs and rubber bushings that reduce the impact of your footfalls up to 40 percent,
more than running on ashphalt. Less expensive models use felt pads that reduce impact, but
not to the same extent.

ELECTRONICS

Electronic displays on treadmills are becoming more sophisticated every year. The number of
programmed courses continues to rise.

Many treadmills now also come with a Polar heart-rate control or similar device. This control
permits you to design a workout around your heart rate, ensuring it is safe as well as
challenging. Most treadmills adjust the heart-rate level only by increasing or decreasing the
incline of the deck, some models, however, use both incline and speed to accomplish this.

All these bells and whistles are nice, but they may not be necessary. All you really need in a
treadmill is enough variety to keep exercise interesting for you. Generally speaking, the bare
minimum should offer a display that indicates your distance, time, speed and calories burned.

Amazingly, the controls are becoming easier to understand at the same time they are
becoming more detailed. It used to take a degree in engineering to understand treadmills'
complicated control panels. Now, most manufacturers design control-panel displays that are
intuitive enough for practically anyone to figure them out. Even the more complicated
machines now have quick-start options. A few unrepentant companies' machines with
impossible controls still remain out there, but they are extremely rare.

SAFETY

As mentioned earlier, motorised treadmills keep going even when you stop, which undoubtedly
has left more than a few users flat on their back. However, you should be fine as long as you
remember a few basic guidelines when choosing a machine.

To begin with, always make sure your treadmill has a key function that automatically stops
It if you stumble or fall. This is simply a tether attached to you that pulls a switch loose and
shuts off the machine automatic cutoff switch to your wrist. Most clip onto your clothing.
Arm grips or safety bars help as well. They allow you to catch yourself if you trip and keep
you from falling off the machine. Most users prefer side rails, which are useful so long as they
give your arms enough room to move freely.

RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATION

Here are a few more things you should keep in mind when you're shopping for a treadmill:

· Make sure it runs smoothly and quietly at all speeds.
· Look for stability. If a treadmill wobbles, don't buy it.
· Look for minimum top speed of 8mph.
· Look for a minimum of 12% incline.
· Look for touch sensor electronics.
· Look for a minimum motor size of 1.5hp continuous duty.
· Look for long warranties on motors and other components.

Thanks to the technological advances made over the past 10 years, home treadmills today
are durable, fun to use and relatively quiet. Because of increased competition and product
improvements, you'll find many quality choices on the market. Often, the differences between
treadmills is slight.